Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Sharing Your Gifts With the World

It is not a question of whether you "have what it takes,"but of whether you take thegifts you have and sharethem with the world.

~Neale Donald WalschTomorrow's God

Of Note: We have basically taken care of visible pollution in the developed world and generally it has fallen below our level of consciousness. In America, the Environmental Protection Agency takes care of "that problem," and we have moved on to other things. Not so in the developing world where resources are scarce for pollution clean up. One man and his organization are taking that problem head on. Richard Fuller, a entrepreneurial Australian, founded the Blacksmith Institute in 1999 in order to tackle pollution in the developing world. He figured all the global pollution hot spots could be identified and then one by one brought back to their original condition using such low cost and indigenous tools as molasses and worms. So far, the foundation in collaboration with local partners has cleaned up 50 sites with 40 in the works spread out over 20 countries. In one of their latest efforts, they were asked by the government of Nigeria to tackle lead poisoning--a result of low tech gold mining--that has killed hundreds. At first, the deaths were attributed to malaria and Doctors Without Borders was asked to assess the situation,. Eventually, lead levels literally off the charts was determined to be the culprit. Fuller described the situation as a "true environmental disaster." With 25% of the deaths in the developing world attributable to environmental factors, this visionary and the non-profit he founded are working on a shoestring to provide relief for millions and millions.Check this out at www.blacksmithinstitute.org and, for anyone interested, they are recruiting interns.

Today's Weather Report: Another day of high sixties, low seventies Fahrenheit. Rain looked imminent but then the clouds swooshed away and blue sky reappeared without a drop. Darn. I'm still waiting to check out the caulking job from last Saturday. My Mom is visiting from Texas so I'll be taking a couple day's off from the blog. Look for it again on Thursday or Friday. Speaking of Mom's, this is one spritely lady who at 84-years old looks and acts at least 10 if not 20 years younger. Good genes which I hope have gotten passed down to her offspring. The photo above of our lake was taken last week. It shows a waterline nearing its original place along the shore. At the lowest, the water was to the left of the weeds growing in the middle left of this shot. Obviously, the water level still has a way to go but we are happy with the progress so far this year.

Search This Blog

DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN

No one would argue that we are in a time of change. Most would also agree that this is a time of drastic, maybe even a time of accelerating change. Some would say "Yeah, but it is certainly not in the right direction." This group might call themselves realists; some might say pessimists.

While others, probably a minority, would say, "Hum, you know, it's always darkest before the dawn. But, the light is already starting to shine through in a place or two." This latter group, too, might call themselves realists; some might say optimists. Others might just call them dreamers, idealists or worse, just plain stupid.

The challenge on this blog is to watch for change that tracks the second premise. Given time, I feel certain that we will see a story unfold in the next decade that may be startling in its simplicity--even though the happenings of the times might look otherwise.

MARIE'S PHOTOS

My sister, Marie, is an excellent amateur photographer. My blog is blessed to have her photos as a daily inspiration. I take some photos as well, and I will mention when they are used. Otherwise, enjoy Marie's awesome pictures. BTW, besides having a good eye, my sister is one of the most loving people around. Anyone viewing this blog can readily feel potent spiritual qualities emanating from her artistic work.

THE GREAT INVOCATION

From the point of Lightwithin the Mind of God,Let Light stream forth into the minds of men,Let Light descend on earth.

From the Point of Lovewithin the Heart of God,Let Love stream forth into the hearts of men,May Christ return to earth.

From the center wherethe Will of God is known,Let purpose guide the little wills of men,The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the center whichwe call the race of men,Let the Plan of Love and Light work out,And may it seal the door where evil dwells.